Purna Yoga Retreat

Our Team

Our team is what makes the heart and soul of Purna Yoga Retreat Centre. Our staff members are like our family and we care for each other with deep respect and love which is palpable and can be felt by anyone who comes to experience our retreat centre. We all work together in unison to ensure a smooth operation and more importantly a cosy familial atmosphere, which encourages that which we wish to promote with our yoga activities – opening up and reconnecting with self, healing on an inner level and developing a strong personal connection with the life force within, all the while empowering each other in the process.

Purna Narayan Shrestha & Purneshowari Devi Shrestha

Founders & Inspirations

Purna Narayan Shrestha

A doctor by profession, Purna Narayan Shrestha has dedicated his life to serving others—not just through modern medicine but also through naturopathy and Ayurveda. From a young age, he displayed exceptional skills, whether dismantling and rebuilding an entire bicycle or nurturing crops with his deep understanding of farming.

His lifelong dream was to establish a yoga ashram and school, but due to government restrictions and lack of support, it remained unfulfilled for many years. However, his children carried forward his vision—starting with yoga treks, then opening a yoga studio, which eventually evolved into a retreat. Finally, with unwavering determination and passion, he realized his dream at the age of 92, establishing the full form of Purna Yoga Retreat—a center rooted in sustainability and holistic wellness, embodying the essence of completeness.

A former chain smoker, he experienced a profound realization one day and quit smoking entirely. Now, at 92, he continues to lead a disciplined yogic life, inspiring everyone around him with his way of living. His daily routine is a testament to the true path of yoga, offering those who meet him a glimpse into the wisdom and simplicity of a yogic lifestyle.

Purneshowari Devi Shrestha

A devoted homemaker and a pillar of strength, Purneshowari Devi Shrestha has dedicated her life to raising four children while wholeheartedly serving others. Her unwavering commitment to Bhakti (devotion) is truly inspiring. Even at 86, she remains active—walking to town for daily shopping, visiting the temple every morning, and continuing to serve in spiritual gatherings. Her selfless service and dedication continue to inspire her family, and today, all her children walk the path of yoga, following in the footsteps of their parents.

Manohar Shrestha

Yoga, Meditation & Bhakti Teacher / Sound Therapist

I come from a family deeply rooted in yoga traditions. As a child, I faced numerous health issues, particularly allergies. Despite my father being a doctor, limited medical facilities made it challenging to identify and treat my condition. My father provided medicines and temporary relief, but the problem kept recurring. Eventually, with inspiration from my father and elder brother, I was introduced to Reiki healing and beginner yoga practices at the age of 15. I spent 21 days in a small ashram in Nepal, where I immersed myself in these practices.

Surprisingly, after those 21 days, I experienced a profound transformation. Not only did my health issues completely disappear, but I also discovered a healing ability that allowed me to help others through Reiki and yoga practices. Since that year, I have continued practicing yoga regularly and have remained free from the health problems that once plagued me.

In my early twenties, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. After completing a degree in travel and tourism and traveling across Europe, I felt a profound inner calling that led me back to my roots in yoga and music, particularly the practice of Singing Bowls. My formal yoga journey began in 2006 when I completed my pre-teacher training and gained experience teaching yoga to Nepali children and youth. Later that year, I worked as a manager at a yoga center for two years.

In 2008, I completed my yogic studies certification at the prestigious Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India. This education significantly deepened my knowledge and understanding, shaping me into the attentive, compassionate, and knowledgeable yoga teacher I am today. I am a certified E-RYT 200 and E-RYT 500 yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. Additionally, I am an accomplished Singing Bowl Sound Therapist and Trainer, integrating sound healing into my yoga practice.

In 2010, I founded Nepal Yoga Trek (www.nepalyogatrek.com), an innovative initiative that combines trekking in the breathtaking Himalayas with yoga. This unique approach has gained widespread recognition, attracting wellness seekers from around the world.

My journey has been deeply inspired and supported by my elder brother, a professional engineer who is also a highly spiritual and generous person. His unwavering dedication and financial support have played a vital role in bringing Purna Yoga Center to life. I also draw immense inspiration from my father, Purna, a medical professional whose daily practice of yoga and meditation has kept him active and healthy even at the age of 92. He continues to work tirelessly in the garden, planting and nurturing the surroundings at the new location of Purna Yoga Center. His dedication to yoga and nature has always inspired me to follow a path rooted in wellness and service.

The natural and peaceful environment at Purna Yoga Center is a reflection of my father’s passion and vision for holistic well-being. It offers every guest an opportunity to live in harmony with nature, which is at the heart of our philosophy.

Dinesh Gurung

Yoga Teacher & Trekking Guide

Dinesh Gurung hails from a small village in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. In 2012, he joined Purna Yoga & Treks, demonstrating remarkable dedication and a strong desire to learn and grow. From improving his English to mastering various skills, Dinesh's journey is marked by perseverance and commitment.

In 2013, he completed his trekking guide training and earned his professional trekking guide license in 2014, issued by the Government of Nepal. The same year, Dinesh took a pre-teacher training course at Purna Yoga, where he trained under both Nepali and international instructors. It was during this period that he discovered his passion for yoga and decided to make it an integral part of his life.

Since 2016, Dinesh has been working as an assistant yoga teacher during yoga treks and at retreats. His dedication led him to complete the 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified Yoga Teacher Training at Rishikul Yogshala in 2018. This training deepened his knowledge and equipped him to take on greater responsibilities as a yoga teacher.

Dinesh currently teaches at Purna Yoga Retreat, where he also practices as a Singing Bowl Sound Therapist. His goal is to continuously expand his knowledge and skills, leading yoga treks and sharing the transformative practice of yoga across Nepal.

Vikas Dhar Taneja

Yoga Facilitator | Meditation, Pranayama, Philosophy & Sound Healing Teacher

Rooted in both yogic tradition and conscious living, Vikas shares Hatha Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and yogic philosophy through a grounded and experiential approach that makes ancient wisdom accessible to everyday life. He holds 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training certifications, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Education from the renowned Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute.

Over the past five years, he has taught in India, Bali, and Nepal, guiding students from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

Before dedicating himself fully to yoga, Vikas worked in the field of sustainable architecture, spending time in remote communities building earthen homes and engaging closely with nature-based living. These experiences deeply shaped his understanding of simplicity, sustainability, and the connection between inner and outer well-being. Over time, this path naturally led him toward yoga and a deeper exploration of conscious living.

His time in seva at the Art of Living Foundation further nurtured a sense of devotion, selfless service, and spiritual inquiry within him. These experiences continue to influence the way he teaches and relates to students — with sincerity, compassion, and the understanding that yoga extends far beyond physical practice.

His understanding of yoga is rooted in the belief that lasting change begins within, and that many of the solutions we seek externally can first be discovered through awareness, balance, and self-inquiry.

Vikas teaching style combines structure, mindfulness, storytelling, and adaptability, making traditional yogic wisdom approachable and relevant to modern life. Through stories, analogies, and practical insights, he helps students connect ancient teachings with their own everyday experiences, encouraging yoga to become a lived practice rather than something confined to the mat.

In addition to teaching, he enjoys supporting students through mentorship and creating a grounded, welcoming environment for learning and growth. For Vikas, yoga is not simply a physical discipline, but a practical path toward living with greater awareness, simplicity and authenticity.

Dr. Shama Kantha

Doctor, Lead Yoga Teacher

Shama is both a medical doctor and a Yoga instructor, driven by a lifelong passion for the human body. She graduated from Capital Medical University, Beijing.

She then went on to Yoga and was trained under advanced Yoga practitioners & Physiotherapist Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss. She also practices Auricular acupuncture, Cupping therapy, Acupressure and Sujok therapy in her therapeutic sessions.

In her Yin/Yang Yoga classes, she integrates the Self Healing Meridian principles, which have certain correlation with Chakra and Nadis, that primarily targets the main Energetic channels of the body.

Shuvechhya Amatya

Reservation Officer

Shuvechhya Amatya holds a Management degree with a major in Marketing and Finance from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. After graduating, she began her career in the tourism industry by joining President Tours and Travels in 2005. Her enthusiasm and dedication quickly propelled her from a Sales Assistant role to that of a Sales Officer.

Over the years, Shuvechhya has gained extensive expertise in organizing detailed tour packages, issuing tickets, and managing online marketing efforts. In 2010, she became a valuable member of the Purna Yoga team, bringing her skills and experience to enhance the company's operations.

Known for her excellent communication skills, Shuvechhya efficiently handles a variety of tasks with a diplomatic approach. Her hard-working nature, cheerful personality, and easy-going demeanor make her an integral part of the team and a delight to work with.

Giridhar Shrestha

Supervisor & Retreat Coordinator

Giridhar Shrestha, a travel enthusiast with a great sense of humor, is an integral member of the Purna Yoga & Treks team. With over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, Giridhar has played a pivotal role in expanding and maintaining the company’s extensive network of contacts and connections.

As a field manager and representative, Giridhar's dedication to ensuring an exceptional client experience begins from the moment the planning process starts. His enthusiasm and expertise have enabled him to plan and execute trekking tours and adventures across Nepal, contributing significantly to Purna Yoga & Treks' success.

Currently, Giridhar serves as a Supervisor at Purna Yoga Retreat, where he continues to bring his leadership, organizational skills, and passion for creating meaningful experiences to the forefront.

Sharmila Shrestha

Housekeeping Manager & Accountant

Sharmila Shrestha, originally from Banepa, Kathmandu, moved to Pokhara after her marriage with Manohar. She began her professional journey as a primary teacher, a role she held for 12 years. Later, she transitioned into the hospitality industry, working as a Housekeeping Manager and Accountant at a resort. Over the years, Sharmila has proven to be a dedicated learner, continuously expanding her skills across various fields.

Two years ago, she trained in mandala weaving at Purna, mastering the art. Today, she is well-prepared to lead mandala workshops, where participants can not only learn the craft but also enjoy her warm and kind-hearted nature. Spending time with Sharmila is an enriching experience, as she has much to share from her diverse expertise and life journey.